Artists Spotlight: Ayala
Ayala’s paintings were impossible for us to scroll past. The color alone feels like it radiates. Her work carries a luminous, expressive quality that reflects both her Indigenous roots, the immigrant experience, and a deep connection to the shared heritage of all of Latin America. We are incredibly honored that she took the time to chat with us about her work.
Q: What themes or ideas are shaping your creative direction these days?
Ayala: Right now, I’m inspired by reimagining real stories. I explore these narratives from our political climate and transform them into spaces of healing. Within dreamlike realms, my protagonists are free, humanized, and celebrated. I’m moved by the resilience of the human spirit, by the soul’s capacity to endure hardship, and by the power of imagination to restore hope.
Q: Your palette is unmistakably bold and dreamlike. What draws you toward those colors?
Ayala: I believe my attraction to bold color is rooted in an innate connection to my ancestry. Indigenous peoples have always created with vibrant, expressive palettes. Color also reflects my sense of joy and curiosity. As someone who tends to be introverted, I appreciate how color carries my voice into the world.
Q: Walk us through how one of your pieces comes to life.
Ayala: My process begins when I’m emotionally moved by a story. I first create a digital mock-up or reference image, which becomes the foundation for my drawing and painting. Sometimes, vivid visions appear through meditation, offering a clear vision to follow. I love combining two techniques—starting with soft, atmospheric backgrounds in airbrush and then layering detailed elements in oil to bring the piece to life.
Q: What’s happening in your studio right now?
Ayala: I recently completed two pieces that will be featured in the Living Indigenously group exhibition at the Delaware Art Museum. Right now, I’m researching new stories and imagery that are inspiring my next body of work. I’m looking forward to collaborating with my father, who is a woodcarver, and experimenting with new materials.
Q: What do you hope viewers experience when they engage with your art?
Ayala: I hope my paintings create an energy of empowerment, and healing. I am grateful when the community feels seen and connected to their inner light, the gifts that we each hold, and the beauty in sharing them with the world.
At Gapka, we are proud of our roots in Mexico, and proud to be even a small part of the process.
To learn more about her work visit her website byayala.com or checking out her Instagram @artbyayala.
Works by Ayala:
